O’Donovan welcomes review of building regulations

“In February I raised the issue of huge costs imposed on people building one off houses or extensions due to the new building regulations. The Minister for Housing, Paudie Coffey, committed to a review and today he has confirmed that it is to take place”, says Patrick O’Donovan, Fine Gael TD for Limerick

“The Building Control (Amendment) Regulations 2014 which have been in operation now for twelve months are to be reviewed, focusing particularly on the cost burden involved for one-off houses, including self-build, and extensions to existing dwellings.

“Home owners are currently incurring inspection costs of up to €6,000 due to restrictions on who can carry out inspections. I am therefore very pleased that Minister Coffey has confirmed that he is willing to consider broadening the pool of people who can design, inspect and certify.

“Plans are advancing for the statutory registration of architectural technologists. Quality Qualifications Ireland is to set up a working group to identify a common standard for architectural technology in line with the National Qualifications Framework. In keeping with domestic legal arrangements and those at EU level, Government will do everything possible to fast-track the new register and to ensure that the routes to registration are fair, open and broadly-based.   The option of establishing a “Ministers’ List” is also being considered for practically trained architects, whereby they could be facilitated to continue in their work, subject to defined criteria.

“There is no question around the reasons for introducing the building regulations; the Government wanted to ensure competence and professionalism in construction, and to bring accountability to the industry. It is essential that those building homes are guaranteed the highest quality. Another Priory Hall will not be accepted.

“However, while the regulations are necessary, in reality it has been found that the regulations as they stand are overly stringent and result in high costs for those in rural Ireland building one off houses, or people extending their home.

“Consumers must get a fair price for the actual inspection work they require, they should not have to pay an inflated rate for excessive inspection services.  

“ Building regulation is very much needed. However I know from my own constituency that people who have built up years of experience in the industry, but who do not have the required professional qualifications, were excluded.  

“This is an issue that is particularly relevant to rural people building one-off homes. For the individual constructing their own home, they are taking on all the risk on their own, as they want to make sure the house is properly built and they work closely with their builder to make sure this happens.

“I commend Minister Coffey for taking on board the downfalls of the current regulation and to supporting those in rural Ireland by following through on this review.”